Uneasy return

Since Nigeria's army began clearing large areas of the country's northeast from Boko Haram, some of the 1.5 million internally displaced people have started returning home. But thousands could now face severe food shortages as reconstruction lags behind.

Islamist militant group Boko Haram grabbed swathes of Nigeria's northeast last year, killing thousands in an unprecedented land grab. It took over most of Borno state, the group’s birthplace, while increasing incursions into neighbouring countries.

10 May 2015. MICHIKA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

The army began pushing back when Boko Haram was about 100 km from Adamawa's state capital. In the last few months, many people have returned to Adamawa but health clinics, banks and schools are still lacking, especially in the northernmost areas, and vast stretches of farmland between towns stand barren.

10 May 2015. MICHIKA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

In the town of Michika, scene of some of the fiercest fighting, residents are too afraid and lack the equipment and manpower to farm, and at least for now they will not be able to live off the land.

10 May 2015. MARARABA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Women travel in a pickup truck in the town of Mararaba after the Nigerian military recaptured it from Boko Haram.

Meanwhile there is no sign of government aid.

"Most people coming back are in hardship because there's no food. People are sick but there are no hospitals ... no vegetables, no lemons, no bananas,” said Sini T-Kwagga, a Christian community leader. “We're not ready to go back to farming. All our machinery was burned or taken.”

10 May 2015. MUBI, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Pedestrians and a cyclist pass a bank, which locals say was looted by Boko Haram.

People drive to Mubi, a city about an hour's drive south, to get goods but thi‎s vital route will be blocked once the rainy season comes into full swing next month.

Mubi itself was a Boko Haram stronghold at one point. Life is bustling again but its banks are still closed and in ruin.

10 May 2015. BAZZA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Rusting tanks with Arabic writing, burnt-out cars and military equipment litter the main roads in northern Adamawa. Boko Haram writings cover the beige outdoor walls of buildings, roofs are caved in and gutted churches stand charred.

10 May 2015. MICHIKA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Some landmines are still dotted around Michika and the main farming areas are far away from military checkpoints. Boko Haram militants liberally employed landmines to protect their strongholds.

"‎We have nowhere to live, no money for rent," Rebecca Ishaya said. “We are afraid to farm.”

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10 May 2015. MICHIKA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

A cross sign inscribed at the entrance of a room is seen chiselled in a compound once occupied by Boko Haram.

10 May 2015. MARARABA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

A local vigilante stands next to a broken signboard for the Federal Polytechnic.

10 May 2015. MICHIKA, Nigeria. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

A car drives through a road check after the Nigerian military recaptured the town of Michika.